ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

On Call Operating System Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Northwestern University

Systems Engineer

Evanston, IL · On-site

The role involves system administration tasks, troubleshooting, and performance optimization while ... operating systems, networking, and storage. • Provides day-to-day support for application ...

Oakton College

Senior Systems Administrator

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Includes Hypervisor (Currently VMWare/Hyper-V), Linux, and Windows. • Installs system software and operating systems for the college's computing systems. • Performs system programming tasks to ...

Humana

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Humana

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

Humana

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Includes operating systems, device drivers, utilities, and software; development tools (e.g., assemblers, compilers, etc.). The Senior Systems Engineer work assignments involve moderately complex to ...

UpStream Global Services

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

The System Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing ... Install, upgrade, and maintain operating systems, software applications, and system components.

UpStream Global Services

Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

The System Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing ... Install, upgrade, and maintain operating systems, software applications, and system components.

Northwestern University

Developer Sr

Evanston, IL · On-site

$81/hr

Linux Operating System * Mac Os X Operating System * Service Orienteted Architecture (SOA) * SQL ... Understanding of modern software engineering principles including maintainability, scalability ...

Symbotic

Manager, System Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the ... Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Symbotic

Manager, System Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the ... Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Symbotic

Manager, System Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the ... Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Symbotic

Manager, System Engineer

Joliet, IL · On-site

The System Engineer team is responsible for the optimization and performance of the system. As the ... Train and assist operators on overall system including automated adapters, vertical lifts ...

Lightedge

Sr. Midrange Engineer - IBMi

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Maintain and deploy IBMi operating system upgrades, cumulative PTF packages, group PTFs, and ... Participate in 24/7 on-call support rotation as required. * Perform basic IBM Power System hardware ...

Lightedge

Sr. Midrange Engineer - IBMi

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Maintain and deploy IBMi operating system upgrades, cumulative PTF packages, group PTFs, and ... Participate in 24/7 on-call support rotation as required. * Perform basic IBM Power System hardware ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOn Call Operating System Developer JobsOn Call Operating System Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

On Call Operating System Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$50

$79

How much do on call operating system developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for on call operating system developer in Chicago, IL is $50.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.60 and $58.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between On Call Operating System Developer vs System Software Engineer?

AspectOn Call Operating System DeveloperSystem Software Engineer
Primary FocusMaintaining, debugging, and updating operating systems during on-call shiftsDesigning, developing, and testing system software and tools
Work EnvironmentTypically in tech companies or data centers, often on-call for urgent issuesOffice or remote, involved in development projects
Required SkillsOS internals, troubleshooting, scripting, real-time problem solvingProgramming, system architecture, software development
CertificationsRelevant certifications like Linux Foundation or Microsoft certificationsComputer science degrees, certifications in software development

While both roles involve working with system-level software, the On Call Operating System Developer primarily focuses on maintaining and troubleshooting operating systems during on-call periods, whereas the System Software Engineer is involved in designing and developing system software in a broader development environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an On Call Operating System Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an On Call Operating System Developer, you need deep expertise in low-level programming, operating system architecture, and debugging, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Proficiency with languages like C/C++, debugging tools (e.g., GDB, WinDbg), and familiarity with version control systems such as Git are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, quick decision-making, and effective communication are vital soft skills for responding to urgent production incidents. These capabilities are crucial to rapidly diagnose, address, and prevent system-level failures, ensuring system stability and uptime.

Can you be on call as a software engineer?

On-call responsibilities are common for on call operating system developers and other software engineers working in roles that require 24/7 system availability. These positions often involve monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving issues outside regular working hours, and may require familiarity with remote access tools and incident management processes.

What are On Call Operating System Developers?

On Call Operating System Developers are specialized software engineers responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving operating systems, often in real-time or emergency scenarios. They are typically available outside of regular business hours to address critical bugs, security vulnerabilities, or system outages. Their work ensures that operating systems remain stable, secure, and performant, especially when unexpected issues arise. These developers need deep technical expertise in OS internals and must be able to quickly diagnose and resolve complex problems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those working in high-demand fields like cloud computing, AI, or cybersecurity, can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or startups with significant funding.

How does the on-call aspect of an Operating System Developer role impact work-life balance and daily routines?

As an On Call Operating System Developer, you may be required to respond to critical system issues or outages outside of regular business hours. This can mean unpredictable work schedules during on-call periods, but teams often rotate responsibilities to help maintain work-life balance. It's important to have strong time management skills and clear communication with your team to ensure coverage and minimize disruptions. Many organizations provide compensatory time off or additional pay for on-call duties, and being on call offers valuable experience in troubleshooting high-stakes, real-world problems.

Are OS developers in demand?

On-call operating system developers are in demand due to the ongoing need for system stability, security, and performance improvements across various industries. Skills in low-level programming, kernel development, and familiarity with tools like C and Linux are highly valued, and employment opportunities are expected to grow with advancements in technology and infrastructure. Continuous learning and certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

How much do OS devs make?

On-call operating system developers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the systems they work on. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in kernel development or low-level programming can command higher salaries. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, stock options, or flexible schedules.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operating System Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Operating System Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
On Call Operating System Developer jobs near you
Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

179th of 553 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary:
Northwestern University is seeking a Systems Engineer to support the design, implementation, and maintenance of multi-tier enterprise application environments. The role involves system administration tasks, troubleshooting, and performance optimization while providing day-to-day support for application infrastructure and collaborating with development teams.
Responsibilities:
• Supports the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of multi-tier information technology application environments, including software installation and configuration, server operating systems, networking, and storage.
• Provides day-to-day support for application infrastructure, including troubleshooting issues, monitoring performance, and implementing solutions to maintain system reliability and availability.
• Partners with application owners and development teams to support system setup, configuration changes, and upgrades.
• Applies operational standards, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistent service delivery and system performance.
• Contributes to automation, documentation, and continuous improvement efforts, while building deeper expertise across supported technologies.
• Participates in project implementations and upgrades, taking ownership of defined tasks and deliverables.
• Engages in scheduled on-call rotations and responds to service management tickets, resolving most issues independently and escalating more complex problems as needed.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively within a technical environment
• Foundational knowledge of operating systems (Linux and/or Microsoft Windows)
• Basic experience supporting and maintaining enterprise applications or IT systems
• Working knowledge of scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Bash, or Python) and a willingness to develop automation skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail
• Foundational technical troubleshooting skills with the ability to escalate complex issues appropriately
• Customer service focus with a commitment to supporting end users and stakeholders
• Effective written communication skills, including documentation and ticket updates
• Effective verbal communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences
• 3–5 years of system administration or related IT experience required
• Exposure to cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) or virtualization technologies is preferred
Preferred:
• Experience supporting multi-tier application environments (web, application, database)
• Familiarity with automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, Puppet, or Chef)
• Exposure to cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
• Basic understanding of networking concepts (DNS, load balancing, firewalls)
• Experience with monitoring and logging tools (e.g., Splunk, Datadog, Nagios, or similar)
• Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git) and change management processes
• Exposure to containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Experience working in IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL)
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Linux+, Microsoft, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner) are a plus
• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
Company:
Northwestern University is a private research and teaching university that offers academic programs across various fields of study. It is a sub-organization of Northwestern Athletics. Founded in 1851, the company is headquartered in Evanston, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What Northwestern University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply